Cyclodextrins (for DDS) (159)

Cyclodextrin (CD) plays a significant role in drug delivery systems (DDS) due to its distinctive structure and functionality. It is a cyclic oligosaccharide formed by D-pyranose glucose units linked through α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Typically, it consists of 6, 7, or 8 glucose units, referred to as α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin, respectively. With its unique cylindrical structure, the interior of cyclodextrin's cavity is hydrophobic, while the exterior is hydrophilic. This allows cyclodextrin to encapsulate a wide range of organic and inorganic small molecules, forming inclusion complexes. As a result, it can modify the properties of these molecules, significantly enhancing their solubility, bioavailability, and drug-targeting capabilities.